William Evans, the sporting gun manufacturer, has appointed Speed Communications in an effort to promote the brand to a wider, younger audience.

The company wants Speed to help maintain its market share of existing customers for its innovative range of guns, but to also help attract new clients looking for boutique country clothing.

This is the first time the independent gun-maker has used any full-time agency help. It is hoping to capitalise on the popularity of styles such as tweed, which has increased as Prince William and The Duchess of Cambridge have been seen wearing the style.

Speed will run the press office alongside William Evans and manage its social media channels throughout the year. The work will be led by Speed associate director John Brown.

Nigel Hadden-Paton, director of William Evans, said: 'My brief is to refresh and update our old St James’s Gun & Rifle brand. Speed’s input coincides well with the launch of our new website. To have William Evans stand stylishly apart from our competitors is essential.'